Mike Ryan’s Dilger (IRE) will kindle plenty of emotion when he goes to the post for the 42^nd running of the $400,000 Stonestreet Lexington (G3) on Saturday. The 3-year-old colt is named for Gerry Dilger, a cherished Central Kentucky breeder, owner and bloodstock agent who died at age 61 in 2020.

“Gerry is in my mind every day,” said Ryan, who bred Dilger under his Demers Bloodstock banner and named him for his close friend. “He was a terrific human being, wonderful friend and great family man. He was respected and admired by everyone. We were friends and business partners for 40 years, and he left a void in my life. I asked the Dilger (family) if I could name him in Gerry’s honor, and they were delighted. I thought it would be appropriate to name a horse that I really liked who would run in our own colors in Gerry’s memory.”

Starting from post 3 under Tyler Gaffalione for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., Dilger enters the Stonestreet Lexington off a nose victory at Gulfstream Park on March 16 in a maiden race. Gaffalione was aboard.

“He has a lot of talent,” Ryan said about Dilger. “We are trying to figure out if he wants to go two turns; he is bred to go two turns. He likes to have a horse (in front) to run at. That is when he is at his best.” 

By leading European-based sire Lope de Vega, Dilger is from the family of 2022 Toyota Blue Grass (G1) winner Zandon. Ryan, as agent, purchased Zandon at Keeneland’s 2020 September Yearling Sale.

Gerry Dilger, a native of County Clare, Ireland, came to the U.S. at 19. In 1994, he established Dromoland Farm in Lexington, which soon evolved into a leading breeder and consignor. In the name of Santa Rosa Partners, he and Ryan bred 2017 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Always Dreaming, sold by Dromoland at Keeneland September.

The following year, Dilger was honored with the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association’s annual Wild Geese Award, presented to an individual who has excelled outside of his or her native Ireland while “flying the Irish flag with pride on a global stage.”

Now he also is remembered through the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship, which was established soon after his death for young people interested in careers in the Thoroughbred industry.

On Saturday, Dilger’s widow, Erin, and two of their three children, Claire and Joseph, are expected to be at Keeneland. Ryan and the Dilgers’ other child, Grace, will be unable to attend.

“The Stonestreet is in our hometown,” Ryan said. “My family will be there, and the Dilgers will be there. There will be lots of sentiment and emotion like the day (the colt) won at Gulfstream.”